A Guide to 2001 Cars

The 2001 Nissan Altima was the best car of 2001, with the Lexus RX300 and Acura MDX trailing behind.
Written by Christelle Agustin
Reviewed by Jessica Barrett
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The best car of 2001 was the
Nissan
Altima, but other strong contenders like the
Saab
9-5 and
Chevrolet
Corvette are just as notable. 
With the new millennium in full gear, a slew of iconic cars were not only favorites of the year in 2001 but also went on to become much-loved vehicles well into the 21st century. If you’re shopping for a car on a budget, used 2001 cars are an excellent choice.
In this guide, we’ll run through the best cars of 2001 from sedans and SUVs to the dreamier luxury cars. 
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The best cars of 2001

Here are the seven best vehicles of 2001, from your sedans and family cars to pickup trucks. Keep in mind that the average price will vary depending on the vehicle’s trim, mileage, condition, type of seller, and the seller’s location.

The best car of 2001: Nissan Altima 

KBB fair market range: $1,500 to $6,800
Powertrain: 2.4 L V4 engine with four-speed automatic transmission or five-speed manual transmission
What makes it special
The redesigned 2001
Nissan Altima
was a little longer than the previous year’s model, but it remained nimble, making it our top pick of 2001. Smaller than the popular Toyota Camry and Honda Accord, the Altima aced the handling category with sharp steering thanks to its four-wheel independent suspension
This five-seater came with a leather interior and wood trim and cup holders for the back seats, making affordable look expensive.

The best luxury car of 2001: Saab 9-5

KBB fair market range:$1,500 to $5,500
Powertrain: 2.3 L turbo four-cylinder with five-speed manual transmission
What makes it special
As a former aircraft defense company, Saab flaunts its expertise with the quiet but strong
9-5
. The turbocharged V4 engine rumbles with power, making the 9-5 feel like it’s fitted with a six-cylinder engine instead. Keyless entry, a futuristic ignition key in the center console, ventilated front seatsto keep you cool, a refrigerated glove box—the innovative tech was fitting for the new millennium. 

The best SUV of 2001: Acura MDX

KBB fair market range: $1,500 to $5,000
Powertrain: 3.5-liter VTEC V6 engine with five-speed automatic transmission
What makes it special
For an older car, the
Acura MDX
sure doesn’t drive like one. The 2001 MDX is sleeker than the typical brawny look of your SUVs with smooth edges that help with aerodynamics. The spacious seven-passenger vehicle has second and third-row seats that can be folded into the floor—so fitting all your camping gear won’t be a problem. If you like an understated type of strong, the MDX is for you.

The best luxury SUV of 2001: Lexus RX 300

KBB fair market range: $1,100 to $5,500
Powertrain: 3.0-liter V6 engine with four-speed automatic transmission
What makes it special:
Lexus pulled out all the stops with the 2001
RX 300
while staying true to its off-roading focus. Upgrades from the previous model included Vehicle Skid Control, Brake Assist, and a maximum cargo capacity of 75 cubic feet. From rainy road trips to slippery winters, long drives are nothing to the 2001 RX, as it easily handles twisting mountain roads, thanks to its traction control that’s standard on all trims.
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The best family car of 2001: Honda Odyssey

KBB fair market range: $1,300 to $4,400
Powertrain: 3.5-liter, 24-valve VTEC V6 engine with four-speed automatic transmission
What makes it special
While the
Dodge Caravan
would be the obvious choice for a family car, the introduction of the
Honda Odyssey
knocked the minivan legend out in 2001. The assortment of automatic technology like power doors, windows, and mirrors, answers a family’s wishes for convenience—especially when the kids are being rowdy. The steady and quiet 2001 Odyssey takes care of everyone with its reclinable front and passenger seats, incredibly roomy storage space, and five-star
NHTSA safety rating
!

The best sports car of 2001: Chevrolet Corvette 

KBB fair market range: $16,300 to $21,200
Powertrain: 5.7-liter V8 engine with six-speed transmission
What makes it special
Swooning for this candy apple red Corvette is to be expected. The 2001
Chevrolet Corvette
was the model sports car, boasting a 5.7-liter V8 engine that revs to 60 mph in just five seconds. Its brakes are out of this world, amplified by 17-inch front tires and 18-inch rear tires that easily grip the road. 
And better yet, if you’re thinking of a weekend getaway, the coupe’s 25-cubic-feet cargo space is plenty for your luggage. 

The best truck of 2001: Chevrolet Silverado 1500

KBB fair market range: $4,000 to $11,000
Powertrain: 4.3-liter V6 or 5.3-liter V8 engine with four-speed automatic transmission
What makes it special
Man’s best friend could be a Silverado 1500—if powerful and reliable pickups are your thing. The 2001
Chevy Silverado 1500
is still a sturdy truck that’s a joy to drive. Its top-notch suspension and braking system make it adept on rocky terrain and tight turns. Space is beyond plenty when you opt for the Extended Cab trim. 

What cars came out in 2001? 

From long-standing models like the Audi A4 to discontinued gimmicky rides like the Ford TH!NK electric compact car, here are some other cars that came out in 2001:
Model
Vehicle type
Engine
KBB fair market range (2001 model)
Notes
Sedan
1.8-L inline-4
$2,000 to $4,000
Also available as a station wagon
Sedan
2.5-L inline-6
$3,000 to $8,000
BMW’s best-selling model
Sedan
3.8 L V6
$800 to $5,000
Succeeded by the
Buick LaCrosse
Compact car
1.6-L inline-4
$1,300 to $3,400
PT stands for “personal transport”
SUV
2.0-L inline-4
$1,800 to $4,000
The first generation was developed with Mazda
Electric car
27 KW AC Induction
N/A
Only 5.1 feet high!
Hybrid subcompact car
1.0-L inline-3 and 144 V electric motor
$500 to $3,100
Discontinued in 2022
Sedan
1.8-L inline-4
$1,500 to $3,500
Renamed the Kia K5 in 2010
Lamborghini Diablo
Supercar
6.0-L V12
N/A
Has a four-second 0-to-60 time
Luxury SUV
4.0-L V8
$1,500 to $6,000
Marketed as an off-road family car
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How to save money on used car insurance

While you’re saving big bucks buying a trusty used car, you can save even more on car insurance! Since used cars have easier parts to replace, insurance is cheaper when you’re a used car owner. With cheaper replacement parts and maintenance, insurance companies don’t need to pay out as much for claims. 
In addition, since states don’t require collision and comprehensive coverage, you don’t need
full coverage car insurance
on your used car—keeping your wallet snug with your bigger budget!
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FAQs

The most popular car in 2001 was the
Ford F-Series
. It sold a total of 911,597 units!
The fastest car in 2001 was the Saleen S7, which could accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in 3.9 seconds and reach a staggering top speed of 220 mph.
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